20 Years of Trimteck: Six Lessons We’ve Learned About Business

Twenty years ago, Trimteck entered the crowded world of control valves — a market dominated by a handful of industry giants with seemingly unshakable traditions. At the time, few could have predicted that our small, family-run business would go on to challenge industry norms and become a trusted name across the most critical sectors. Yet here we are, two decades later, looking back at the hard-won lessons we’ve learned.

Our story is about more than just making it in a tough market. It’s about pushing boundaries and proving that small players can punch above their weight. If you’re trying to grow your own business, break into a competitive industry, or shake things up, we’ve been where you are. We’ve faced the same uphill battles and learned a few things along the way. Here’s what worked for us and might just help you carve out your own path.

Lesson 1: Innovation Happens When You Solve Overlooked Problems

Trimteck’s journey began with a simple but ambitious idea: control valves, often treated as an afterthought in industrial systems, deserved more attention. Jaime Conesa, our company’s founder, had seen the problem firsthand during his decades-long career. Advanced control systems could only go so far without robust, precise and reliable valves to regulate the actual flow of materials. And in an industry where reliability and precision are everything, off-the-shelf solutions often weren’t good enough.

So, Jaime set out to build a company that would fill this gap, delivering custom valves designed for the specific needs of each application. It wasn’t about being the biggest player in the market—it was about being the best, even if that meant staying small and focused. That philosophy became the backbone of our success at Trimteck and continues to this day.

Lesson 2: Take On High-Stakes Projects Early to Build a Reputation

Trimteck’s early breakthrough came when NASA knocked on our door, looking for a company capable of engineering and manufacturing high-pressure cryogenic valves for rocket engine testing. This was an opportunity to prove that a small, agile company could compete with much larger competitors. The contract was a turning point. It showed that precision, customization, and an obsession with quality could carry the day, even in the most demanding environments and industries.

That success got the ball rolling. Suddenly, industries that always turned to the big players began to see the value in Trimteck’s approach. From defense contractors to power utilities, more companies recognized that working with a nimble, responsive partner could deliver better results than dealing with sluggish conglomerates.

Lesson 3: Smart Growth Means Staying True to What Made You Successful

For a company built on bespoke solutions, growth brings a challenge: how do you scale without losing what makes you unique? Trimteck faced this question as we moved beyond our early contracts. Over the years, we expanded our product line to include general service control valves, but we did so carefully—always maintaining our core focus on customization.

Today, Trimteck offers a range of products like the OpVEE and OpEXL rotary control valve lines, designed for more standard applications. But even here, our company DNA remains intact. These aren’t just off-the-rack solutions. They’re flexible, adaptable products that can be configured to meet the specific needs of each client.

Lesson 4: In a Market of Giants, There’s Still Room for the Agile

Trimteck’s competitors aren’t just companies—they’re institutions. Some of them are synonymous with the industry, commanding enormous market share and wielding tremendous influence. Yet, we’ve managed to carve out a space for ourselves, not by trying to be a cheaper alternative, but by focusing on what really matters: being more responsive, more human, and delivering solutions that truly fit our customers’ needs.

Where the big players rely on their massive infrastructure, Trimteck has leaned into its agility. When a client has a problem, they can pick up the phone and speak to a real person—sometimes even myself. When they need a custom solution, they get it quickly, without layers of bureaucracy slowing down the process. It’s this ability to move fast and deliver tailored products that has allowed Trimteck to win contracts against much larger competitors.

Lesson 5: Staying Ahead of Technological Shifts is Critical for Long-Term Survival

As industries evolve, so do the demands placed on companies like Trimteck. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward sustainability and reducing environmental impact—issues that are particularly pressing in sectors like oil, gas, and chemical processing. Trimteck has met this challenge head-on, developing products that help clients reduce fugitive emissions and stay ahead of increasingly strict regulations.

Trimteck’s design innovations, like our actuator-agnostic valves and metal bellows seals, have become critical in addressing environmental concerns. These products help clients minimize emissions without sacrificing performance, ensuring compliance with strict regulations like the EPA’s Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) standards and the Clean Air Act.

Lesson 6: The Market Will Keep Changing, But There Will Always Be a Place for Solving Real Problems

The next 20 years will bring new challenges and new opportunities for Trimteck. With industries like hydrogen, power generation, and industrial gases on the rise, the demand for high-performance, customized valves is only growing. But the core principle remains the same: Trimteck will continue to deliver precision-engineered solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each application.

As the market evolves, we’re positioning ourselves to be the partner industries turn to when they need reliability, agility, and a deep understanding of their challenges. The focus on custom solutions, paired with the company’s ever-growing expertise in high-pressure and cryogenic applications, ensures that Trimteck is ready for whatever comes next.

What’s Next for Trimteck—and for You?

As we look forward to the next chapter, one thing is clear. Success doesn’t come from staying still. Whether you’re a long-time partner or just getting to know us, we’re here to help you tackle your toughest control valve challenges with the same commitment and ingenuity that got us here. Ready to see what we can achieve together? Let’s talk.